Latest Update: Prince William’s Heartfelt Surprise: A Cheeky Birthday Message for Dame Mary Berry on Her 90th On March 24, 2025, Dame Mary Berry, the beloved British baking icon….See More

British baking icon, celebrated her 90th birthday in grand style, surrounded by an outpouring of love from fans, friends, and even royalty.

Among the many well-wishers, one message stood out as a delightful surprise:

a pre-recorded video from Prince William, the Prince of Wales, which aired during a special episode of BBC One’s The One Show.

The heartfelt tribute, laced with a cheeky joke, left the culinary legend visibly moved and added a royal touch to an already memorable milestone.

A Special Celebration on The One Show
The occasion was marked by a pre-recorded episode titled The One Show:

Dame Mary Berry, A Celebration at 90, hosted by Alex Jones and Roman Kemp.

Airing at 7 PM on Monday, March 24, the program was dedicated to honoring Berry’s extraordinary life and career.

The episode featured an array of surprises, including appearances from celebrity friends like Claudia Winkleman, Monica Galetti, Mel Giedroyc, and Sue Perkins, as well as heartfelt messages from Dame Joanna Lumley, Paul Hollywood, Andi Oliver, Don Warrington, and even Berry’s husband, Paul Hunnings.

However, it was Prince William’s unexpected contribution that stole the spotlight.

As Alex Jones introduced the first of the birthday messages, she teased that it came from “somebody very special who says that you’ve taught him everything he knows about baking.”

The camera panned to Berry, who gasped and placed a hand on her chest in disbelief as the Prince of Wales appeared on screen.

“No!” she exclaimed, clearly stunned by the royal surprise.

Prince William’s Message: Warmth and Wit
In his selfie-style video, Prince William delivered a warm and personal tribute to the baking maestro.

Hi Mary,” he began with a smile. “I want to wish you a very happy 90th birthday.

You are a true national treasure, and we’ve loved working with you over the years.

Have a fantastic day today.” Then, with a playful glint, he added, “I dread to think who’s cooking your cake and the criticism they might get, but good luck and I hope it goes really well.”

The cheeky remark—a nod to Berry’s famously discerning palate as a former judge on The Great British Bake Off—drew smiles and underscored the lighthearted rapport the royal shares with her.

Berry, visibly emotional, blinked back tears and responded simply, “What an honor,” reflecting her humility despite decades of acclaim.

William’s message didn’t stop with the broadcast.

He later reposted a clip of Berry’s reaction on his and the Princess of Wales’s official Instagram Stories, writing, “Happy birthday, Dame Mary! ,” ensuring the sentiment reached an even wider audience.

A Royal Connection Rooted in Baking and Charity
The bond between Prince William and Dame Mary Berry is more than just a passing acquaintance—it’s a relationship built on shared experiences and mutual respect.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, Catherine, have long been fans of Berry’s work, a connection that was famously showcased in the 2019 BBC One special A Berry Royal Christmas.

During that program, the royal couple teamed up with Berry to prepare festive treats, including a meringue roulade, for charity workers and volunteers.

The episode offered a rare glimpse into their personal lives, with Kate revealing a charming anecdote about their youngest son, Prince Louis.

“One of Louis’s first words was ‘Mary,’ because right at his height are all my cooking books in the kitchen bookshelf,” Kate shared with Berry.

“Your face is all over your cooking books, and he would say, ‘That’s Mary Berry.’” The story highlighted how Berry’s influence extends even to the royal nursery, cementing her status as a household name.

Beyond baking, William and Berry share a deeper connection through their commitment to supporting child bereavement charities.

Berry’s son, William, tragically died in a car accident in 1989 at the age of 19, an experience that has driven her advocacy for those grieving the loss of loved ones.

Prince William, as Patron of Child Bereavement UK, has worked closely with the organization, and the two have crossed paths at events like the charity’s 25th birthday gala dinner at Kensington Palace in 2019.

Their shared passion for this cause has undoubtedly strengthened their bond.

A Day of Tributes and Nostalgia
The One Show celebration was a fitting tribute to Berry’s remarkable legacy.

In addition to the star-studded messages, the episode included a nostalgic trip with Alex Jones to Berry’s childhood home in Bath, England, offering rare insights into her early life.

Another highlight was a special performance by Michael Ball and the BBC Singers, who adapted one of Berry’s Desert Island Discs picks into a song all about her, adding a musical flourish to the festivities.

A birthday cake, crafted by celebrity chef Monica Galetti, was also part of the celebration—perhaps the very one William jokingly feared would face Berry’s critique.

The episode’s warmth and joy were palpable, with Alex Jones later reflecting on BBC Radio 2’s Scott Mills show, “There were tears before we’d even started… honestly, she was blown away.

It’s worth watching just to see her lovely reaction to that.”
Mary Berry: A National Treasure at 90.

Prince William’s description of Berry as a “true national treasure” echoes a sentiment felt across the UK.

With a career spanning over six decades, Berry has authored more than 80 cookbooks, fronted numerous television shows like Classic Mary Berry and Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts, and become synonymous with British baking.

Her tenure as a judge on The Great British Bake Off until 2016 elevated her to global fame, and her damehood, bestowed by then-Prince Charles in 2021, recognized her lifetime of contributions to cooking, writing, and baking.

Yet, despite her accolades, Berry remains a figure of warmth and accessibility, a quality that shone through in her emotional response to the birthday tributes.

TV chef Jamie Oliver joined the chorus of praise, posting on Instagram, “Happy 90th Birthday to the one and only @DameMaryBerry
!! I think I can safely say on behalf of all of us, you are a true inspiration!!”

A Lasting Legacy
As Dame Mary Berry turns 90, her influence shows no signs of waning. From inspiring Prince Louis’s first words to teaching Prince William the art of baking, her reach spans generations and transcends social divides.

The surprise message from Prince William was more than just a birthday wish—it was a testament to her enduring impact on British culture and the personal connections she’s forged along the way.

Fans eager for more can catch an extended version of Berry and Alex Jones’s Bath journey on BBC iPlayer starting March 25, 2025.

For now, though, the spotlight remains on a woman who, at 90, continues to inspire, delight, and—thanks to a certain royal’s playful nudge—keep the pressure on anyonedaring to bake her a birthday cake.